Technical Overview

The Relay suite of products is a configurable, browser-based workflow solution that is designed to integrate with a wide variety of SQL-based accounting and practice management systems. Relay data is kept in a separate database that "layers" onto these host databases. Relay may be used to add value to CMS Open, ProLaw, Elite, Interwoven, PC Docs, or similar software.

In Relay, users are mapped to roles and roles are mapped to data states. Firms define the possible paths that workflow may take. Rules are then configured to analyze request data and appropriate actions.

The Relay Workflow Engine constantly analyzes request data, according to the workflow rules. Depending upon the nature of these rules, the engine may change eligible request statuses, reassign requests to responsible users, and/or notify decision-makers that some user action is necessary. Notifications may be immediate or scheduled, based upon the data and rules. Each step in the process is logged, and turnaround times can be determined.

Users access input screens and work queues via their web browser. The appropriate links to the Relay system may be contained in Relay-generated e-mail notifications, or they may simply be URLs (located in browser Favorites, launch menus, etc.).

When the request data has achieved sufficient completion, Relay exports the data to all the appropriate backend databases using available APIs and interfaces.

Relay Design

Relay is built with Microsoft .NET technology and designed for maximum utility:

  • Rapid deployment of an entirely browser-based solution that requires no client-side installation.
  • Highly configurable business rules, user roles, notifications, and workflow routing are entirely defined by and tailored to the unique practice of the firm.
  • Transparent data integration with backend databases in real-time-lookup data from existing systems is leveraged to the fullest extent possible, eliminating double-entry.
  • Relay honors security and data integrity rules of the host database.
  • Continuous, efficient data flow as information is driven in the system through rules and prompted human interaction.
  • Allowance and handling of ad hoc, raw, or partial data - this is geared toward 'opening' and auditing processes, where the data may be refined and finalized before consolidation with transactional and backend databases.
  • Extensible, scalable, modern, and secure architecture.
  • Minimal platform and hardware requirements: a basic webserver and SQL server are all that is necessary.
  • Intuitive and friendly browser and e-mail interfaces.
Relay Admin

Using the Relay Admin Utility, firms can attach or remove users from roles. They can also manage the Relay requests. This allows administrators to manually reassign a request to a different user or to a different state in the workflow if necessary. Relay Admin is part of the purchase for all Relay Modules.

Assigning users to roles
Add new roles and users


Reassign requests
Reassign requests to different users


Add/Remove data sources
Add or remove data sources


Minimum Configuration for Relay

Below is the minimum required hardware to run Relay (Relay can share hardware with other .Net applications as well):

Web Server

  • Processors - Dual Intel Xeon 2.8GHz, 512K Cache, 533MHz Front Side Bus
  • Memory - 2Gb
  • Hard Drive Configuration - Two 73Gb 15,000 rpm drives
  • Network Card - 100Mb
  • Operating System - Windows 2000 Server (latest SP) or Windows 2003 Server
  • IIS - 5.0
  • Additional items - .Net Framework 1.1

Client

  • Browser - IE 5.5 or higher (Latest SP)

SQL Server

  • No additional hardware needed
    • Relay will use the existing SQL server (either MS SQL 7.0 or MS SQL 2000)
Recommended Configuration for Relay

Below is the recommended required hardware to run Relay:

Web Server

  • Processors - Quad Intel Xeon 3.2GHz, 512K Cache, 533MHz Front Side Bus
  • Memory - 4Gb
  • Hard Drive Configuration - Three 73Gb 15,000 rpm drives (Raid 5)
  • Network Card - 1000Mb
  • Operating System - Windows 2003 Server (latest SP)
  • IIS - 6.0
  • Additional items - .Net Framework 1.1

Client

  • Browser - IE 6 (Latest SP)

SQL Server

  • No additional hardware needed
    • Relay will use the existing SQL server (either MS SQL 7.0 or MS SQL 2000)

Contact us if you have any unanswered questions as to how Relay works.